AFTER RECEIVING THE NEWS THAT YOU ARE WAITING FOR A CHILD, IT IS TIME TO FIND A HEAD SPECIALIST IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE
Text: Jessica López Cervantes Consulting: Dra. Cristina Rodríguez Photos: iStock
In addition to taking care of the female reproductive system, it is the gynecologist who reviews and cares for the baby’s health, makes your medical history and clears all your doubts; even – if you decide and your doctor also has a specialty in obstetrics – he will be able to assist you at the time of delivery. Before such a relevant decision, to carry out your selection you must take into account several aspects.
1) TRUST
From the first visit, you will be able to assess how you feel with the doctor you have chosen. Take note of the questions he asks you (when was your last menstruation, your eating habits, if you are a first time or not …); the way he listens to you, how he reviews and treats you. It is important that when speaking to you, you do so clearly and respectfully, in addition to answering all your questions with simple language.
2) EXPERIENCE
Look at the recognition of graduates, congresses, courses, seminars … that he has hanging in his office: all this indicates that he is a person concerned with continuing to prepare as the science of his area advances.
3) INFRASTRUCTURE
Before any unforeseen, it is necessary that your gynecologist have contacts with other specialty doctors and clinics. Ask them if they are going to provide you with incubators and respirators, and the attention of a neonatologist or a nurse with a specialty in pediatrics.
4) LOCATION
In an emergency or doubt, your doctor should leave you the number of his cell phone so that you are more sure of its availability. The easier it is to locate him, the calmer you will be even when you don’t have to call him.
TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE TIME IT TAKES TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND HOW MUCH YOU MUST WAIT IN THE LIVING ROOM TO BE SERVED.
5) PHILOSOPHY
Find out if the specialist matches the way you want the delivery; There are doctors who place the baby on the mother’s breast when she is just born, while others prefer to clean it and cut the umbilical cord first.
6) FEES
You will need to make a budget: ask the doctor clearly what his fees will be and if he will have an assistant, and how much he will charge.
7) CLOSE TO HOME
As your pregnancy progresses you will see the advantage that your consultations are close to your home, as it will become increasingly difficult for you to travel long distances.